5 Things You Didn't Know: Space Tourism

Space is cool, that much is clear. Being in space — well, that's even cooler. Getting there, however, can be a problem. In the past you had to undergo years of schooling and become somewhat of a "rocket scientist." And, well, that’s a lot of work and can really be a drag. However, what if there were an easier way to get into space, you know, simply by paying your way there? Well, it’s been done before and it most certainly will be done again. Here are a few things you probably didn’t know, but may want to remember, if you’re interested in space tourism.

1- A Californian billionaire was the world’s first space tourist

On April 28, 2001, Dennis Tito became the world’s first paying space tourist to embark on space tourism when he forked over $20 million for the trip of a lifetime: an eight-day holiday aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A former NASA employee, Tito founded Wilshire Associates, a California-based powerhouse in consulting, technology and investment management that helped the entrepreneur amass billions of dollars in personal assets. However, money can’t buy you everything — Tito faced numerous setbacks in his bid to buy his way into space tourism.

First, NASA rejected his proposal on the grounds that he was not sufficiently trained. Tito then turned to Russia, only to have his proposal rejected when the original destination — the Mir Space Station — was decommissioned and fell out of orbit. Finally, through partnership with Space Adventures, Ltd., Tito secured a spot on Soyuz TM-32, a Russian supply ship bound for the ISS. However, the sudden change in plans generated great political tension between Russia and the United States, with NASA agreeing to allow Tito to board the ISS only if he agreed to take full responsibility for his actions and not sue over injury or illness.

Despite the political row, Mr. Tito described his space tourism experience as euphoric; "I spent 60 years on Earth and eight days in space, and from my viewpoint it was two separate lives," the U.S. tycoon told CNN.

2- By 2009 suborbital tours may go for a cool $100,000

Imagine being boosted 62 miles straight up into the sky, seated comfortably in a six-passenger suborbital spacecraft. At the apex of your flight, on the verge of where space begins, you’ll sit weightless in dead silence, just below orbiting satellites, where the curvature of the Earth and a dark, star-filled sky meet your eye. This space tourism odyssey could all be yours for a mere $100,000.

Starting in late 2009, companies such as Virgin Galactic and Space Adventures, Ltd. will begin offering weekly suborbital flights of space tourism to the wealthy and adventurous. Despite the rather hefty price tag, ranging between $100,000 and $200,000, surveys show considerable interest among wealthy executives, and the price is expected to drop considerably as suborbital flights become routine and as competition grows. With a handful of private space tourism companies expected to offer suborbital flights in the coming years, the competition will certainly grow. However, some questions arose about whether the supply will meet the insane demand for space tourism: “[It’s] an experience that sells itself,” says TheSpaceReview.com. After looking at the awesome designs of some of the spacecrafts, we couldn’t agree more.

3- By 2012, lodging in space could become a reality

Why remain strapped in a seat for long periods of time aboard a small, cramped spaceship on a routine flight circling the globe like a mosquito does an incandescent light bulb when you could enjoy an extended stay in your own quarters aboard a luxurious hotel — in space? That’s at least the hope for companies, such as Bigelow Aerospace, who could start housing guests in space as part of extended space tourism trips as early as 2012.